Bengaluru Stampede: Karnataka HC Questions Sealed Cover Status Report, Calls for Transparency
Court to Implead KSCA, RCB, DNA Networks; Next Hearing on June 23
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday questioned the state government’s insistence on submitting a status report on the June 4 stampede in a sealed cover, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the investigation into the tragedy that claimed 11 lives.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice CM Joshi, hearing a suo motu PIL, was told by Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty that the government was not avoiding disclosure but wanted to prevent sensationalism of preliminary findings. The court, however, appeared unconvinced, noting that it would appoint an amicus curiae to assess the appropriateness of sealed submissions.
The bench also decided to issue notices to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and DNA Networks, all of whom were involved in organizing the IPL event where the stampede occurred.
Rejecting the state’s request for 20-25 days’ adjournment, the court remarked that its proceedings are not bound by the government’s internal timelines. Several counsels representing petitioners strongly objected to the sealed cover approach, citing violation of natural justice and a culture of opacity.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 23, with the court also directing that any application for enhanced compensation for victims be submitted to the Advocate General for response.
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